Mediation

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process by which an impartial third party assists people in a dispute to explore and understand their differences, and if possible, to settle them. The parties, not the mediator, dictate the terms of any agreement.

What happens in Mediation?

• It is a structured, step-by-step process.
• It is confidential and speedy.
• There are separate meetings, then a joint session if appropriate.
• Issues are clarified.
• Options are created.
• Win/win solutions are sought.

What Mediators do

• Remain impartial, don’t judge.
• Listen and help people listen to one another.
• Help people communicate.
• Create a safe environment.
• Manage conflict constructively.
• Help people think more creatively about solutions.

What do people get out of Mediation?

• Agreements.
• Understanding/information that can improve future relationships.
• Better communication if future problems occur.
• Clarification about misunderstandings.
• Less stress, more confidence.

The sequence of Mediation?

• Stage 1          First contact with the first party
• Stage 2          First contact with the second party
• Stage 3          Assessing the best way forward/preparation for setting up a joint meeting
• Stage 4          Setting the scene and hearing the issues
• Stage 5          Exploring and working on the issues
• Stage 6         Building agreements
• Stage 7          Closure